Sensitive skin is a skin prone to allergic reactions, as well as the most often prone to inflammatory processes. She needs constant and proper care. To do this, many brands of cosmetics produce products aimed at eliminating problems, because this type is in great demand. Sensitive skin differs from other types of redness from each irritant, severe itching and rashes from contact with poor-quality cosmetics or jewelry.
Main characteristics
Many people claim that sensitive skin is the type that begins to turn red immediately after touching something and the one that needs constant care more than others. In fact, the situation is not so simple.
Sensitive skin is intolerant of most external aggressors who come in contact with it daily. This can be soap, detergents, cosmetics, fabrics and direct sunlight (ultraviolet). Such intolerance is associated with hereditary and genetic factors that determine the reduced absorption of water from the integument. An important role is played by a decrease in the concentration of lipids, that is, fats in the stratum corneum. This leads to a weakening of the protective functions of the barrier, as a result of which pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate the skin penetrate the body.
Causes
There are situations that enhance the sensitivity of the skin. They can be physiological (acne, acne, hives, pregnancy, age) or natural (removal of hair, use of cosmetics, peeling, tattoos, climatic conditions, animal hair).
The most common causes are:
- Hormonal imbalance. This problem is typical for many situations (menstrual cycle, stress, pregnancy, and so on). Because of it, immunity becomes much weaker, which results in instability of the integumentary barrier and facilitating the penetration of pathogens into the human body.
- Acne and blackheads. Many girls try to get rid of these problems by aggressive methods, which provokes an increase in skin sensitivity.
- Hives. A disease of this type manifests itself in the form of an allergic reaction. It is characterized by swelling, peeling of the skin, as well as the appearance of blisters on the surface of the body. It is these symptoms that make the integument more susceptible to any effect.
- Period of pregnancy. During the bearing of the fetus in the female body, a variety of changes occur, most of which relate to the skin.
- Climatic factors. Cold and hot weather conditions, as well as seasonal changes, can easily aggravate already sensitive skin.
- Smog and pollution. The integument of the face constantly interacts with various contaminants in the air. Therefore, their condition gradually worsens, if you do not provide proper daily care.
- Irritants. These include animal hair and dust. They may not be liked even by those who are not allergic. In addition, sensitive skin types are exposed to any effects, especially irritating agents.
- UVA and UVB rays. The sun's rays should not have a strong effect on the skin. They are able to damage even completely healthy integuments, therefore it is necessary to be under them with utmost care.
- The use of local aggressors. Procedures such as peeling, the use of cosmetics, etc. require the application of chemicals to the skin. They usually do not have side effects, but as a result of constant use, the health of the skin can worsen.
- Tattoos In the area of sensitive skin, it is better not to get a tattoo. If this is not possible, then before the session you should definitely consult with a dermatologist and discuss with the master possible changes.
Children's skin
In babies, quite often there is an increased sensitivity of the skin, but this phenomenon is quite normal. Covers develop up to 4 years, so parents do not have to worry much about this.
The main causes of sensitive skin in children are:
- the presence of only 1/5 of the thickness of the skin of an ordinary adult;
- minimal activity of sweat and sebaceous glands;
- due to the poor distribution of cells, the stratum corneum is less saturated;
- high sensitivity to sunlight due to reduced activity of melanocytes.
It is these factors that lead to deterioration of the skin condition in babies. But at the same time, taking this phenomenon as a natural process and trying to provide your child with a basic level of protection against external stimuli is not worth it, since there will certainly not be serious consequences for it.
Sensitivity recognition
People often ask how to determine the type of skin to make sure its sensitivity. The main symptom for this is an instant reaction to the irritant in the form of redness, pinpoint rashes, severe itching or peeling. According to statistics, about half of all women in the world and about a third of men have sensitive skin. Signs of this problem are:
- dry skin
- feeling of constriction after water procedures;
- regular irritation;
- peeling;
- red spots;
- the appearance of a reaction in the forehead, chin, nose and eyes;
- difficulties in choosing cosmetics.
Type definition
Answering the question of how to determine the type of skin, it is worth saying that this can be done easily at home. To do this, you need to take a not too sharp object and hold it on the outside of the cheek. The test will be positive only if the red bar does not come off on its own within two minutes. If there are complications, blisters may begin to form at this site.
Care Features
Owners of delicate skin certainly know that a person needs to provide gentle care. People often buy cream for sensitive skin, various gels, ointments, and other products in pharmacies and specialty stores. As a result, the expected miracle does not happen to everyone, as consumers simply did not consider it necessary to learn the basic rules. Here are the basic rules and recommendations:
- Cream for sensitive skin should be selected carefully, since the presence of chemical components in it will only worsen the condition of the integument.
- Soaps and various scrubs with a tightening effect are best avoided.
- It is better to wash yourself with drinking boiled water, since the liquid from the tap can only dry the skin even more and contribute to the appearance of unpleasant peeling.
- In the cold season, it is better to choose a cream with a moisturizing effect, but in the hot season, an agent that protects against ultraviolet rays is more suitable.
- For a quick recovery, you should stop abusing alcohol and cigarettes.
Dry and sensitive skin requires special attention. It is characterized by the premature appearance of wrinkles, which are expressed in the form of a vascular network. You can get rid of such a problem with both purchased cosmetic formulations and homemade ones. More details about the treatment methods can be found below.
Funds
The main goal of sensitive skin care is the gentle restoration of the protective layer, as well as achieving a balance of the physiological pH of the skin. These substances are divided into two main groups:
- lipophilic (they are able to combine with fats, restore the hydrolipidic film and keep the integument in a soft and smooth state);
- hydrophilic (unique substances that bind to water can compensate for poor water retention by the skin, thereby ensuring a sufficient level of hydration of the integument).
Purity
Cleansing the skin of a sensitive type is an important point in maintaining their health. Toxins and toxins are removed through the pores. But it should be remembered that the cleansing effect will not be completely effective if the pores are very clogged.
Many people use facial cleansing gel for sensitive skin. Modern products can not only have a healing effect, but also remove decorative makeup. Thanks to this, it is possible to apply the product on the face only once, but at the same time get several advantages at once. In addition, for washing you can use a special milk or even wet wipes.
Moisturizing
As mentioned above, sensitive skin is not able to retain the moisture that it needs for hydration. Therefore, a person will have to provide the integument with the correct supply of water both from the inside and the outside.
The humidification process should be carried out with hydrophilic agents that do not contain fragrances. An ideal option would be to use lipo-reducing oil, after which you can apply a softening cream containing vitamin E and glycerin to the skin. The constituents of these products protect lipids in the stratum corneum and have a moisturizing effect.
Professional treatment
If sensitive skin has not been given any help for too long, then cosmetics will be powerless here. In this case, the only way out is a beauty salon. To do this, you must consult with a master who will select an individual program and give recommendations for the future.
As a rule, treatment begins with two procedures. After that, the specialist looks at the skin reaction and decides whether to continue. At the same time, masks with a nourishing effect are carefully used, and after a while peeling is done. Each session has as its goal nutrition and hydration of the skin with useful trace elements, as well as vitamins.
Gels
In the arsenal of every girl should be a wash gel for sensitive skin. It can be purchased at any cosmetics store or ordered online, choosing from a wide range of products. The best products to date are:
- CLARINS (1000 rubles). French gel is a three-phase cleanser, which contains marula oil. It has a light texture, which perfectly copes with excess fat, dirt and makeup.
- NIVEA (300 rubles). The gel from a German manufacturer contains exfoliating particles that prevent inflammation and provide deep cleansing.
Folk remedies
In modern times, home remedies have proven themselves well. They are prepared from the food products present in every home. From them you can make a wonderful mask for sensitive skin. It will nourish the skin with the necessary components and help strengthen the protective function. You can also prepare yourself a lotion for sensitive skin and many other products.
Self-made formulations
The most effective products to achieve the main goal are:
- Potatoes. A vegetable known for its healing effect is able to reduce redness and block inflammatory processes. For the mask, you need to take a couple of boiled potatoes and combine with a glass of milk, thoroughly kneading the components. The resulting slurry should be applied to the face, and after the exposure time has expired, remove it with warm water.
- Cucumber. The ideal fortified composition provides gentle skin care, as well as its deep hydration, nutrition and improvement of face tone. A mask is prepared from one fresh cucumber, which you want to rub on a fine grater and apply to the desired areas.
- Oatmeal flakes. This product is useful not only for weight loss. It is famous for its cleansing effect on the integument. As a result of applying this mixture, the skin becomes clean and naturally radiant. For cooking, pour the flakes with boiling water and let them swell, then drain the excess liquid and put the mixture on your face.
Such cosmetics for sensitive skin will not harm the condition of the integuments, but will only give a positive effect, which will be noticeable after a couple of procedures. The full course of treatment is a month. Masks need to be applied only 2-3 times a week and kept for 20 minutes. After the course is completed, such procedures can be carried out for preventive purposes, using formulations only once every 7 days.